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March 30, 2010
Nicole Pham
Those dissatisfied with the school system can leave early by taking the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE), but few Washington students know about it.
Most students drop out, complete independent study or attend an alternative school, such as Robertson. Some students learn about the CHSPE through word of mouth, but the school has not communicated this option to all juniors and seniors.
According to state law, high school principals are required to distribute an announcement explaining the CHSPE to each student in grades 11 and 12. The superintendent is responsible for informing the principals.
Students who pass CHSPE earn the legal equivalent of a high school diploma by obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency, even without the required units for graduation. Those interested must be between 16 and 18 years old. The exam includes math and English language arts sections. Taking and passing CHSPE, however, does not necessarily require a student to leave high school.
“I believe students should be made aware of this option by school staff,” superintendent Milt Werner said, in an e-mail.
Principal Linda Fernandez relies on career technician Michelene Wittmer and school counselors Carol Brahmst, Britny Stewart and Carrie Merfeld to relay information about CHSPE to students.
In her eight years as a counselor, Stewart knows of two students who took the test.
“For most people, it’s not the alternative they want to take,” Stewart said. “They don’t want a full exit.”
English teacher Teri Hu prepared “How Would You Like to Finish High School Early?,” a presentation about CHSPE, at a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) meeting Dec. 7.
“It is not up to counselors, teachers or administrators to determine if a student would possibly want to take CHSPE,” Hu said.
“At most, maybe a dozen or so kids will take it, but that will be a dozen kids who would otherwise be miserable in high school.”
The test is administered three times a year: March, June and November. Though the March 21 test date passed, those interested can apply for the June 19 test by May 21.
The fee is $92 for regular registration, $120 for late registration and $145 for special registration. Results are mailed July 23.
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January 27, 2010
Paige Castren
The Board of Education is in search of a new superintendent, because Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) superintendent Dr. Milt Werner will be retiring on June 30 for personal reasons. He started July 1, 2008, as an interim and full time in Jan. 2009. The board is conducting a full search, in which they develop a leadership profile, advertise the position and interview possible candidates after receiving applications, interview possible candidates.
Students were encouraged to input their opinion on the leadership profile on the district website, which ended Jan. 18. Student leaderships teams also met Jan. 11.
President of the Board of Education Lara York said that a new superintendent has the potential to change the tone and the culture of the district.
“The board is glad to be going through with the full search. We are looking for the best superintendent,” York said.
Board will present a summary and a draft of the leadership profile at a meeting Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the FUSD Office. She encourages students to come to the meeting and to give feedback to ASB. She hopes to be done with the whole process by May.
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December 15, 2009
Christelle Xu
Despite activities director Helen Paris’ request to have WHS apparel removed from Wal-Mart’s shelves, the Fremont store manager refuses to comply. The two Wal-Marts located in Fremont are the only ones that sell WHS Husky gear.
The Wal-Mart manager claims that a program launched in October donates a percentage of its profits to the school.
“If [Wal-Mart] were to give, say, 10 percent back of what their profits are, in no way would that be justified in terms of what we can do here,” Paris said.
California law says the school is allowed to have a student store to learn marketing and strategies. In terms of Washington High School, ASB serves as the student store.
The corporate decision to sell spirit wear was left to the discretion of the Wal-Mart store manager.
“I thought it was a better decision to leave [the product] up so that the schools could benefit,” store manager Mark Blome said.
The Washington logo is not copyrighted, thereby making it legal for Wal-Mart to sell generic Husky products.
The incident is not isolated. Pel Athletics creates generic clothing that is altered to fit the name and mascot of schools throughout the nation.
“Parents were contacting me asking why Wal-Mart stores didn’t offer professional spirit wear,” Blome said.
Rite Aid, Lucky’s and Raley’s, each removed WHS spirit wear upon request.
“I don’t think it’s right to be selling Husky gear at other places when not 100 percent of the proceeds go to us,” junior Kyle Plant said.
Blome claims FUSD superintendent Milt Werner authorized him to sell Husky apparel.
“I have not talked to anyone at Wal-Mart while I have been in the office of superintendent,” Werner said in an e-mail.
Blome could not be reached for additional comments.
